Top mistakes when clearing glasses of ice
How not to damage the car when cleaning glasses in winter?
In winter, periods of severe frost are often replaced by thaws after heavy snowfall. Therefore, during the cold season the drivers have to constantly clean the car windows: from the snow, which then falls from the ice, and from the ice. And since many people do it in a hurry, it is not surprising that the car gets damaged sometimes. Yes, oddly enough, it is important not to make mistakes while cleaning windows. Otherwise, the aesthetics and functionality of the car elements will suffer.
Improper use of squeegees
In order to speed up the cleaning process, some people start scraping the ice immediately after starting the engine. And after all, it is quite difficult to part with the frozen solid glass. Therefore, such actions always lead to scratches. In the future, with a certain vision, they will definitely catch the eye and spoil the view.
Even if the squeegee is soft, you should wait until the glass begins to thaw. And only then you can begin to carefully separate the ice crust from it. The movements should be directed from the bottom upwards, that is, from the place where the water has already passed into the liquid state.
And then. Even a rubber scraper can scratch the surface if sand or dirt gets between it and the glass. Therefore, it is not recommended to clean a dirty “forehead” at all. You need to wait for a complete thawing, and then wipe the surface with a soft rag with a lot of alcohol spray.
Image source: golifeHack.ru
Abrupt heating.
After the so-called freezing rain, the thickness of the crust on the windshield can reach 10 mm. In severe frosts, it may take 30-35 minutes for this layer to thaw completely. Of course, there are no drivers in the morning.
To speed up the process, some use additional heat sources. Someone embraces a hair dryer, working from a cigarette lighter, and someone pours hot water into the “forehead”. As a result of the sudden temperature drop, cracks can form on the glass. And then the rush turns into unforeseen material costs.
Especially dangerous when the surface already has microscopic damage, which was not previously noticed by the driver. After such manipulations, they will begin to increase rapidly.
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If the ice layer is very thick, it is acceptable to use a rubber heating pad filled with warm water. Apply it alternately to different parts of the windshield. And wipe the formed water with a rag abundantly moistened with nonwetting moisture.
Use of “windshield wipers”
During the time the car is standing still, the wiper blades freeze to the windshield. And if you are in a hurry, trying to clear the ice with them, you will burn the fuse. After all, the “wipers” are not designed for such efforts. Therefore, the rubber bands should always be separated from the glass surface by hand, and only after the ice begins to melt.
It is necessary to clean them thoroughly, bend them slightly in the opposite direction, and then press them firmly against the surface of the “forehead”. It is best to lift the brushes before the night. So you exclude the possibility of their damage.
Using “windshield wipers” for windshield icing is not justified, if only because it simply makes no sense. Although the formed crust does not rise, they move along the rough surface, damaging the sharp protrusions. And the ice stays in place. So in this case, the brushes are powerless.
Turn on the heater at full power.
Inexperienced motorists often think that if you immediately set the regulator to extreme position, the glass will thaw faster. In fact, it gives the opposite effect. After all, the heating of the interior is carried out by the circulation of the coolant through the heater radiator. As long as the engine is not warmed up, the fan blows icy air into the cabin. This leads to additional cooling of the windows from the inside. As a result, it takes even longer to get numb.
Image source: Carsweek.ru
Ideally, the heater should be turned on after the temperature of antifreeze rises up to 50-55 °С. If to do it regularly, radiator walls will be exposed to corrosion because of formation of a condensate. This process will significantly reduce its service life.
10 mistakes you make when cleaning your house and grounds from snow
Residents of the middle belt in February are not only hoping for a new summer season to start soon, but they also get rid of a lot of worries related to snow removal in the area. Frequent snowfalls are forcing us to make friends with the sweepers and equipment. But it’s important to get the job done right!
In the process of mastering the skills of a janitor, many novice gardeners make classic mistakes: they waste energy irrationally, choose inconvenient devices, build huge drifts on fences and paths. And if these mistakes are fraught with only fatigue and spring puddles on the site, the mistakes in the removal of snow from the roof can lead to problems of a more serious nature. And now we are dealing not only with broken trees and shrubs near the house or a damaged roof, but also with his health.
In this article, we will tell you about the most common mistakes that dacha owners make while wrapping snow, and find out how to avoid unpleasant moments. Join us, because you have been warned!
Incorrect algorithm of snow removal from the roof
We’re not going to tell you what snow drifts are on the roof of your house, garage or barn – you can imagine or read in our article. Let’s talk about how to properly organize the process of cleaning the roof and avoid unfortunate mistakes.
A common mistake many homeowners make is not following the sequence of work when clearing roofs of snow and ice. Often the snow begins to clear the ridge itself, creating an unbearable buildup. Or they haphazardly clean the roof and don’t care where they lose the snow and whether they have the strength to remove the entire area at once.
To streamline the process, it is recommended to divide the roof into 4 parts and work on each: from one part remove the snow cover in small “pieces” from the bottom up, immediately remove the crumbling snow from the base Clean the next part. Do not leave drifts near the walls of the house, as this can lead to flooding during the thaw or spring.
When icicles have formed under the roof slopes, you need to start cleaning from them. They drop the icicles in the direction of the house so they don’t damage the facade. Then they clean the slopes and finally remove the snow from the ridge.
When cleaning your roof, your working tools can be a broom, a mop with a rag, a plastic scraper on a telescopic handle. Most importantly: the tools should be made of plastic or wood and have smooth edges. This will help avoid damage to the roofing material. You should also avoid wearing climbing shoes with spikes that scratch the roof.
Safety violations when cleaning the roof
Sometimes when clearing snow from the roof, gardeners and homeowners make unforgivable mistakes that can not only cost them a damaged roof, but also their health. For example, many people, when clearing the roof, climb on it and stand in the thickness of the snow. In this case, people do not even worry about insurance and often begin clearing snow in the evening, in the approaching twilight. This should not be done categorically!
Remember a few simple rules to help keep you healthy when working with snow on the roof.
- To the removal of snow and ice on the roof allowed only adults with at least minimal experience in roofing or high-altitude work. It is not recommended to climb on a snow-covered roof by yourself – it is better to use shoe covers or a ladder. Also, do not stay under the roof riser, as the cleared snow can cover you with your head.
- In winter, when working on a slippery surface with snow or ice, it is extremely important to use safety harnesses and ropes when working on the roof. They can be attached to the chimney or ridge, and the carabiner should be attached to a special strap.
- Clean snow from the roof only during the day in clear weather. With a wind force of more than 10-15 m / s or the temperature belo w-15 ° C to remove snow on the roof is prohibited.
- Equipment should be checked for repairability. Integrity of cuttings, plastic parts and reliable fixing of all elements will save you from “surprises” during work.
Unclear or impractical
When it comes to clearing paths, it is important to choose the right tool that will allow you to work effectively and with minimal effort. The best option is a snow blade, a lightweight plastic device with a wooden or telescopic handle. An ordinary shovel or tools with metal elements are not suitable for such work.
If you have a large and permanent territory, it makes sense to spend on a compact snow removal blade. You can choose a model that will not cost a fortune, but will facilitate your winter garden life.
A great device for cleaning the roof is the so-called scraper. This tool is a frame made of thick wire or profile pipe with a long handle and a piece of awning attached to one side. The frame moves up the slopes of the roof, the snow is cut and rolled down the awning – easy and fast!
It is also convenient to remove snow from the roof with a scraper, which you can buy yourself or make by attaching a piece of board length 40-50 cm and a width of about 20 cm to the long handle. Scraping off icicles from eaves and overhangs is the best and safest.
Of devices with a high level of action for work on the roof need a ladder or stepladder – it is desirable that the latter was equipped with hooks for mounting on the ridge.
Excessive force when working
In middle-aged and especially elderly people, active work with a shovel in the cold can cause unpleasant problems with the cardiovascular system, up to and including cardiopharyngitis. Especially careful should be those who have a predisposition to such diseases or high blood pressure.
Doctors recommend taking precautions if you plan to clean the area on freezing days.
- Dress warmly and in layers – When you get warm, you can take off the top layer of clothing. It is important to keep your body dry so you don’t catch cold or sweat in the cold. You should wear a hat, mittens, and warm boots! You should also cover your mouth and nose with a scarf to prevent inhaling the icy air.
- Don’t shovel or throw snow; push it with quick, short motions. If the layer of snow is too thick, gradually remove it. This will not only protect your heart, but also your back.
- Don’t try to clear the entire yard or one area for one car at a time. Work small areas at a time, taking breaks to rest.
- You can purchase a special shovel with a curved handle, which will allow you to keep your body straight and take extra stress off your spine.
- Coat the edge of the shovel with ski grease or vegetable oil – so the tool slides easier on the surface.
- Before you start working, do a warm-up – it’s easy for your body to prepare for active physical work.
By following these recommendations, you will cope with snow on the site without the risk of unpleasant health consequences.
The mistakes that we will list below are related to the use of snow in gardening. It would seem – what gardening in winter? However, this problem may arise only for beginner gardeners. Old-timers of the “garden brotherhood” know that snow is a valuable resource that can be used not only to cover heat-loving crops. When used properly, it can improve soil properties, provide needed moisture from garden and home factors, hide plant nipples from freezing, and even preserve last season’s crops.
However, novice gardeners and vegetable growers often miss this advantage and make a number of mistakes when working with snow. For example.
Throwing snow in front of the place
Nature is wise, and if it snows in winter, it means that for some reason it is necessary. And that means you shouldn’t throw nature’s bounty by dumping snow from paths and parking lots over the fence. It would be wiser to use it to the benefit of garden plants.
It is known that 1 kg of snow turns into approximately 1 l of water, which is gradually absorbed into the soil, charging it with moisture for almost the entire next season. Meltwater penetrates into the soil to 1-1.5 meters, and this is enough to give plants the necessary nutrients throughout the spring and half of the summer.
Therefore, snow stops were specially invented in regions with little snow – not only to protect plants from the winter cold, but also to moisten the soil and maintain fertility and nutritional value. Experienced gardeners recommend not to neglect the “snow resource”, and we fully agree with them!
Don’t sprinkle snow on the protection of heat-loving plants
Constructing in the case of covering perennials from spruce or other materials, it is worth remembering that they are unlikely to be sufficient to keep warm in severe frosts. The best covering material, as you know, snow! And if it’s short, it’s worth making sure it ends up in the right places in your garden.
Don’t leave drifts on paths after cleanup; better yet, throw a soft blanket of snow covered with spruce branches over your plantings. Also spray trees and shrubs – insulating the root necks helps the plants survive the winter easier.
Strawberries in beds and winter cereals also love to sunbathe under fluffy snow – they will thank you in the spring with a quick awakening and active growth.
Don’t shake the snow off the branches
Snow-covered trees in the garden look great, but this beauty is fraught with great danger. Branches of mature trees cannot withstand and cannot bear the weight of the accumulated snow, and for young saplings such a load is completely unbearable. Ornamental plants suffer in health and appearance, and fruit trees run the risk of losing their harvest.
Even if you are sorry to disturb the harmony of the winter garden, it is better to shake off the snow from the branches immediately after it falls. To do this, you can use a broom or a long rod wrapped in rags. Gently sweep the snow off the powdered trees or tap the branches with a stick.
If you don’t get the branches free of snow in time, it has melted and frozen – the resulting ice crust should not be put down! Leave this process until the next warming.
Stomp the snow under the trees
Some gardeners believe that packed snow under trees better protects the roots from the cold and also forms a solid barrier for rodents, which in times of hunger move under the snow to get to the delicious bark. But these claims are just myths that have nothing to do with reality.
In fact, it’s not the snow that stores the heat, but the air gap in the loose snow cover. And when the air is removed from the snow hut, its efficiency is at least reduced, if not lost altogether.
Mice that want to eat the bark of young apple trees won’t be stopped by the snow – they can chew through much stronger materials, such as plastic, drywall and even concrete.
Do you go to the cottage after every winter snowfall to collect snow under the trees? And in vain. We have good news for you!
Don’t shovel extra snow off your beds
Snow cover on beds doesn’t have to be too thick. If the forecast promises frosts of t-20 ° C and below, cover the plants with snowdrops 60-80 cm high. In milder winters, a 30-40 cm layer of snow will suffice.
If too much snow has fallen in your region, you should think about how to relieve the additional load from the garden. One option is to bring the excess snow into the greenhouse, where it will help moisten the soil to support beneficial microorganisms and prevent erosion.
Don’t remove the snow crust
The snow crust that forms after thaws and high winds impairs the breathability and thermal conductivity of winter ground cover. As a result, plants under the snow suffer from a lack of oxygen, can get sick from fungal infections and shrink their roots. And closer to spring, when the first plants wake up and make their way to the sun, they have a hard time in the icy bowl.
To avoid such problems in the garden, regularly establish the crusts that have formed, pierce them and rake away the layer of snow. You can do this with a pitchfork or plowshare.
A smart approach is important in any endeavor, and snow removal on a construction site is no exception. Take our tips to your treasure trove of knowledge and make your winter a snowy but pleasant one!
